Hygienic case for protecting a mat from contaminants and method of using same

ABSTRACT

A hygienic case for protecting a mat. The hygienic case includes a flat material and a cover. The flat material includes a liner portion and a cover portion. The liner portion has a hygienic surface and an outer surface. The hygienic surface is positionable against a user side of the mat and shaped to receive the user side of the mat thereon. The liner portion has flexibility to rollingly fold with the mat into a tubular roll. The cover portion is connected at an end of the liner portion, and is shaped to protectively encircle the tubular roll. The cover fastener is positionable about the cover portion to closingly secure the cover portion about the tubular roll whereby the user side of the mat is isolated from contaminants.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/600,864, which was filed on Mar. 7, 2017 the entire contents of whichis hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

This present disclosure relates generally to hygiene technology. Morespecifically, the present disclosure relates to hygiene techniques formaintaining clean surfaces of items for personal use, such as mats.

Throughout their daily lives, people may be exposed to variouscontaminants, such as dirt, germs, chemicals, etc. In some cases, peoplemay use cleaning devices, such as chemicals, to remove contaminants. Insome other cases, people may shield themselves from exposure to suchcontaminants by using protective devices, such as masks, gloves, etc.

When performing physical activities, such as yoga, weight lifting,fitness training, etc., people may sit, stand, or lay on varioussurfaces, such as on equipment, floors, and other surfaces. During suchphysical activities, people may generate, or be exposed to,contaminants, such as sweat and dirt, that collect on such surfaces.People may carry towels during such physical activities to wipe thesesurfaces clean.

During some physical activities, mats may be placed onto surfaces toprovide stability, comfort, and protection. For example, the use of yogapilates mats may require the bottom side of the mat to rest on uncleansurfaces, such as gym or studio floors, concrete, or grass. Rolling upthe mat can transfer dirt, sweat, grass, et. onto the top—or cleanside—of the mat.

Various devices have been developed for use with mats. For example,carriers may assist with the transport of the mats. Examples of matdevices are provided in Patent/Application Nos. US20060040811,US20120304382, US20120227181, US20130276230, and US20140068858, theentire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Despite advancements in hygiene technology, there remains a need forprotecting mats from contamination. The present disclosure is intendedto provide such needs.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a hygienic case for protectinga mat. The hygienic case comprises a flat material and a cover. The flatmaterial comprises a liner portion and a cover portion. The linerportion has a hygienic surface and an outer surface. The hygienicsurface is positionable against a user side of the mat and shaped toreceive the user side of the mat thereon. The liner portion hasflexibility to rollingly fold with the mat into a tubular roll. Thecover portion is connected at an end of the liner portion. The coverportion shaped to protectively encircle the tubular roll. The coverfastener is positionable about the cover portion to closingly secure thecover portion about the tubular roll whereby the user side of the mat isisolated from contaminants.

The hygienic case may have various options: The hygienic case furthercomprises disposable sheets positionable between the liner portion andthe mat. The hygienic surface has a surface area larger than a surfacearea of the mat. The cover portion is removably connected to the linerportion by a liner fastener. The liner fastener comprises a zipper. Thecover fastener comprises one of a zipper, VELCRO®, straps, snaps, and/orties. The flat material comprises a plurality of layers, each layercomprising a different material. The cover portion surrounds the tubularroll. The cover portion has lateral ends disposable about ends of thetubular roll. The lateral ends comprise one of drawstrings, snaps, andcombinations thereof. The cover portion is wider than the liner portion.The hygienic case further comprising a strap and/or a pocket. The flatmaterial comprises at least one of cotton, nylon, polyester, spandex,elastomer, plastic, neoprene, moisture wicking, fitness, odor resistant,tarp, water resistant, hygienic, protective, antimicrobial material, andcombinations thereof.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a hygienic case forprotecting a mat. The hygienic case comprises a flat liner, a flatcover, and a cover fastener. The flat liner comprises a hygienic layerand an outer layer. The hygienic layer is shaped to receive a user sideof the mat. The liner having flexibility to rollingly fold with the matinto a tubular roll. The flat cover is removably connected at an end ofthe liner, the cover comprising a protective outer layer and an innerlayer. The inner layer is shaped to encircle the tubular roll. Theprotective outer layer is positioned external to the inner layer. Thecover fastener is connected to the cover, the cover fastener disposableabout the cover to secure the cover in a closed position about thetubular roll whereby the user side of the mat is isolated fromcontaminants.

The hygienic case further comprises disposable sheets connected to theflat liner. The disposable sheets are positionable between the linerportion and the mat. The flat cover has the same width as or largerwidth than the flat liner. The flat cover has lateral edges to coverends of the tubular roll.

Finally, in another aspect, the disclosure relates to a method ofprotecting a mat. The method comprises providing a hygienic casecomprising a liner portion and a cover portion, positioning a hygienicsurface of the liner portion on a user side of the mat, and isolatingthe user side of the mat by: rolling the liner portion with the mattherein into a tubular roll, encircling the tubular roll with the coverportion by continuing rolling the tubular roll into the cover portion,and fastening the cover portion about the tubular roll. The methodfurther comprises removably positioning disposable sheets between theliner portion and the mat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the features herein can be understood in detail, a moreparticular description may be had by reference to the embodimentsthereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to benoted, however, that the examples illustrated are not to be consideredlimiting of its scope. The figures are not necessarily to scale andcertain features and certain views of the figures may be shownexaggerated in scale or in schematic in the interest of clarity andconciseness.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams depicting example uses of ahygienic case for protecting a mat.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic views of various configurations of thehygienic case.

FIGS. 3A-3C are schematic views of the hygienic case in variouspositions about the mat.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic top and end views of the hygienic case ina drawstring configuration in an open and a closed position,respectively.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic top and partial side views of the hygieniccase in a snap configuration in an open and a closed position,respectively.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic views of the hygienic case with a strap inan open and a closed position, respectively.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic views of the hygienic case with disposablesheets and end caps in an open and a closed position, respectively.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic views of the hygienic case with pocketsand disposable sheets in an open and a closed position, respectively.

FIG. 9A is a schematic view of the hygienic case in a closed positionand secured with hook-and-loop fasteners. FIG. 9B is a schematic view ofthe tubular roll of FIG. 9A inserted into a carrier tube.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart depicting a method of protecting a mat:

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous details are set forth to providean understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure maybe practiced without these details and that numerous variations ormodifications from the described embodiments are possible.

The present disclosure relates to a hygienic case for protecting a mat.The hygienic case may comprise a liner with a hygienic surface toreceive the mat, and a cover to protect the mat and liner. The case maybe in the form of a flat, single, and/or multi-layer flexible materialcapable of rolling up with the mat to form a tubular roll. The cover maybe connected to or integral with an end of the liner to roll with theliner and surround the tubular roll.

The hygienic case seeks to provide a convenient and flexible materialeasily positionable for use with mats on the floor, and/or for easy rollup into a convenient transportable carrier. The hygienic case has aconfiguration intended to provide a hygienic (or sanitary) surfacecapable of isolating a user (or top) side of the mat from contaminantsand contamination issues that may be present on a bottom side of the matthat is placed on potentially contaminated surfaces. This configurationis also intended to protect the user side from exposure to suchcontaminants, thereby maintaining a clean side for use.

The contamination may be in the form of dirt, sweat, chemical residue,germs, and/or other contaminants that may be present on surfaces wherethe mat is used. Such contaminants may be present on indoor and/oroutdoor surfaces, such as floors (e.g., gym floors, home floors, etc.),grounds (e.g., dirt, concrete, grass, etc.), floor coverings (e.g.,carpet, padding, etc.), and/or other surfaces where the mat may beplaced during use, and/or on points of contact the mat encounters duringtransport. Such contaminants may expose users, third parties, and/ortheir possessions to potential damage, illness, foul odors, and/or other“contamination issues”.

The hygienic case seeks to address issues relating to contamination andcleanliness by isolating the user side of the mat from exposure. Thehygienic case seeks to provide one or more of the followingcapabilities: easy application and rollup of the device and mat, ease oftransport, flexibility, light weight, ease of storage, protection of themat, prevention of transport of contaminants, protective surfaces,carrying means, storage capabilities, disposable features, single ormulti-layers, integrated features, removable features, decorativedesigns, interchangeable designs, and more.

In an example, the hygienic case may be in the form of a yoga/pilatesmat liner and cover with carrying strap. This liner and cover may beused for the protection and transport of yoga/pilates and/or other mats.The yoga/pilates mat liner and cover presented in this disclosure seeksto address the issue of mat cleanliness by adding a washable, protectivefabric liner to a yoga pilates mat cover. As the mat is rolled, theoverlying protective liner may prohibit transfer of above mentionedcontaminants (debris) from the bottom (dirty) side of the mat onto thetop (user or clean) side. The liner is attached to the outer cover whichzippers itself closed. An adjustable strap is attached to the cover nearthe zipper for convenient transport of the mat.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams depicting uses of the hygieniccase 102. FIG. 1A shows the hygienic case 102 during exercise. FIG. 1Bshows the hygienic case 102′ during treatment.

FIG. 1A shows the hygienic case 102 in various stages I-IV-B of use witha yoga/pilates mat 104. As shown in this example, the yoga mat 104 is aflat, rectangular material used by the user 110 as a surface forexercising. The mat 104 includes a user (top) side 112 a. While a flat,rectangular mat and case are shown, various shapes or variations may beprovided. A contamination (bottom) side 112 b of the yoga/pilates mat104 faces the ground. In this example, the ground 106 may includeoutdoor contaminants, such as dirt, grass, bugs, leaves, etc.

In stage I of the example of FIG. 1A, the yoga/pilates mat 104 ispositioned on the ground 106 in an outdoor location 108. Thecontamination side 112 b is positioned on the ground 106 where it isexposed to contaminants. A user 110 is positioned on the user side 112 aof the yoga/pilates mat 104 to perform yoga exercises.

In stage II, the user 110 is positioning the hygienic case 102 onto theuser side 112 a of the mat 104. The hygienic case 102 includes a liner(or liner portion) 114 a and a cover (or cover portion) 114 b. As shownin this example, the hygienic case is a flat, flexible, rectangularmaterial with the liner portion 114 a shaped to receive the mat 104. Theliner 114 a has a hygienic surface 115 a on one side and a contaminationsurface 115 b on an opposite side thereof. The hygienic surface 115 a ispositionable adjacent the user side 112 a of the mat 104. The hygienicsurface 115 a may be positioned to completely cover the user side 112 aof the mat 104.

In stage III, once the hygienic case 102 is positioned on the mat 104,the user 110 rolls the mat 104 with the hygienic case 102 into a tubularroll (or assembly) 111. As also shown by this view, the liner 114 a ispositioned on the mat 104 and the cover 114 b extends from an end of theliner 114 a. As the mat 104 is rolled up in the liner 114 a, the userside 112 a of the mat 104 is isolated against the hygienic surface 115 aof the liner, and the contaminated bottom 112 b of the mat 104 is rolledup against the contamination surface 115 b of the liner 114 a. The cover114 b may also be rolled up with the tubular roll 111 and securedthereabout as is described further herein.

Stages IV-A and IV-B show storage and/or transport of the mat 104 in thetubular roll 111 (including the hygienic case 102 and the mat 104). Instage IV-A, the tubular roll 111 is positioned in a storage tube 116 andstored for future use. The tubes 116 are shown as short tubes with thetubular roll 111 extending outside of the tube, and stackedhorizontally. The tubes 116 may be larger to encase the tubular rolls111′ and stacked in other positions (e.g., vertically, at an angle,etc.). The tubes 116 may also have covers to encase the tubular rolls111′ therein.

In stage IV-B, the tubular roll 111 is carried by the user 110. Thetubular roll 111 may be positioned within a tube 116 as shown in stageIV-A, and provided with a carrying strap 118. The tubular roll 111 mayalso be secured in a closed position and provided with the strap 118 asdescribed further herein.

FIG. 1B shows another version of the hygienic case 102′ for use inanother application. In this example, the hygienic case 102′ is used bya hospital worker (or trainer) 115 for treatment of a user (or patient)110. The hygienic case 102′ in this example is similar to the hygieniccase 102′, except that it is provided with disposable sheets 126 asdescribed further herein.

As shown in stage I, the hygienic cases 102′ are rolled into tubularrolls 111′ and stored in storage tubes 116 on racks and withdrawn by thehospital worker 115 for use. In stage II, the hospital worker 115unrolls the hygienic case 102′. The disposable sheets 126 are exposedand an outer sheet removed to provide a clean surface. The mat 104 isalso removed from the hygienic case 102′ where the user side 112 a ofthe mat 104 has been stored against a clean side of the hygienic case asdescribed in FIG. 1A. for use as shown in Stage III. When treatment isdone, the new disposable sheet 126 is placed onto the user side of themat 104 so that the disposable sheet 126 is isolates any potentialcontamination from the user 110. The hygienic case 102′ and the mat 104may then be rolled as in FIG. 1A to form the tubular roll 111′.

While a specific mat 104 and use of the mat 104 is shown in FIGS. 1A and1B, it will be appreciated that the hygienic case 102 may be used with avariety of mats on a variety of surfaces. For example, the mat may be afloor mat, padding, sleeping bag, play mat, fitness mat, towel, and/orother device used to cover a surface, such as a floor, bedding, seating,or other surfaces. Such mat may be used in indoor facilities, such ashospitals, rehabilitation, treatment centers, schools, daycares,nurseries, and/or other indoor locations, and/or at outdoor facilities,such as parks, playgrounds, sidewalks, back yards, and/or other outdoorlocations.

Also, while the user 110 is depicted as an exerciser or patient, theuser 110 may be a child, an adult, and/or other user. An operator, suchas the hospital worker 115 or other employee of the facility where themat 104 is used (e.g., trainer, nurse, doctor, etc.) may be charged withthe duty to rolling, carrying, and/or storing the mats 104 after use.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show example integral and modular configurations,respectively, of the hygienic case 102, 102′ positioned on the mat 104.FIG. 2A shows the hygienic case 102 of FIG. 1 in greater detail. In thisversion, the hygienic case 102 is flat with the liner portion 114 ahaving a rectangular shape with dimensions width W by length L1. Theliner portion 114 a has dimensions at least as large as the mat 104 suchthat the hygienic surface 115 a covers the user side 112 a of the mat104. Optionally, the liner portion 114 a may be larger than the mat 104to provide a border of material extending beyond a perimeter of the mat104. By way of example, the length L1 may be about 68 inches (172.72 cm)and the width W may be about 24-25 inches (60.96-63.50 cm).

The cover 114 b is also depicted as a rectangular piece positioned at anend 220 of the liner portion 114 a. The cover 114 b may be an extensionof the liner 114 a and may be made of the same material. In thisversion, the cover 114 b extends a length L2 from the end of the linerportion 114 a and is integral therewith. The length L2 may be, forexample, about 18 inches (45.72 cm) and has the same width W as theliner 114 a. The cover 114 b may be of a variety of shapes and sizescapable of encircling or surrounding the tubular roll 111 (FIG. 1A) asis described further herein.

In the version of FIG. 2A, the liner 114 a and cover 114 b are depictedas being integrally formed for the same material. In the example of FIG.2A, the material is a single layer of synthetic, polyester materialcapable of rolling up with the mat 104 to isolate the user side of themat from contaminants and to protect it from damage.

The liner, 114 a, the cover 114 b, and/or the hygienic case 102 may bemade of one or more materials capable of supporting, storing, carrying,and receiving the mat 104. The material(s) may include one or morelayers and/or portions of the same or different materials. Thematerial(s) may be provided with sufficient flexibility to roll with themat 104 into the tubular roll 111. The material(s) may be, for example,a natural and/or man-made fabric made of cotton, nylon, polyester,spandex, elastomer, plastic, neoprene, moisture wicking, fitness, odorresistant, tarp, water resistant, hygienic, protective, antimicrobial,and/or other material. The material(s) may optionally be coated and/ortreated with water resistant, hygienic, protective, antimicrobial,and/or other treatment. The material may optionally be machine and/ormanually washable.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the hygienic case 102′ may be a multi-layer,modular device made of multiple materials. The liner 114 a and/or thecover 114 b of the hygienic case 102′ may be made of multiple layers,such as an inner layer defining the hygienic surface 115 a and an outerlayer defining the contamination surface 115 b. Optionally, one or moreof the layers may be made of one or more portions various materials. Theone or more layers may define a thickness T of the liner 114 a and/orcover 114 b. Depending on the thickness of the material and the numberof layers, the thickness may vary. By way of example, the thickness maybe about 3 mm per layer.

In the version of FIG. 2B, the cover 114 b is removably connected to theend 220 of the liner 114 a by a cover fastener. In this example, thecover fastener is a zipper 222 a. One side of the zipper 222 a may be onthe liner 114 a and the other side on the cover 114 b with the portions114 a,b joinable by zipper action to connect the cover 114 b to theliner 114 a. A similar closure fastener 222 b may be provided at an endof the cover 114 b and an outer surface of the cover 114 b to close thecover 114 b about the tubular roll 111 as is described further herein.While the zippers 222 a,b are shown as the cover and closure fasteners,the fastener may be any device capable of securing the cover 114 b tothe liner 114 a, such as hook-and-loop type connection, snaps, buttons,tie straps, etc.

The hygienic case 102′ is also shown with additional optional featuresincluding retainers 224 and/or liner sheets 126. The retainers 224 maybe, for example, straps affixed to the hygienic surface 115 a of theliner 114 a to receive corners of the mat 104 and secure the mat 104thereon. The retainers 224 may be, for example, elastomeric members sewnto the hygienic side of the liner. Other retainers, such as grippers,ties, adherents, belts, snaps, clips, or other devices capable ofsecuring the mat 104 to the hygienic surface 115 a of the liner 114 a.The retainers 224 may be coupled to corresponding devices on the mat 104for locking interaction therebetween.

The liner sheets 126 may be additional layers of material positionedadjacent to the hygienic surface 115 a of the liner 114 a. These linersheets 126 may be layers of material removably attached to the hygienicsurface 115 a and/or the contamination surface 115 b. The liner sheets126 may be secured on one or more sides. As shown, the liner sheets 126are secured at one end by a binder to support the liner sheets 126 in astack for sequential use. Similar liner sheets 126 may also optionallybe provided for the cover 114 b. These liner sheets 126 may be made ofthe same material as the liner 114 a and/or the liner 114 a, and removedfor cleaning and/or replacement.

The liner sheets 126 may optionally be made of a disposable material,such as paper, cleaning cloth, or other material that may be discardedafter use. The liner sheets 126 may provide the option for storage ofmats on sanitary, disposable materials that may be discarded after eachuse and/or after buildup of contamination. Such sanitary use may beneeded for sensitive users (e.g., patients etc.), contamination areas(e.g., locations with biohazards, etc.), and/or facilities (e.g.,hospitals, treatment facilities, etc.) with increased sanitary needs.

FIGS. 3A-3C show additional views of the hygienic case 102, 102′positioned for engagement with the mat 104. The hygienic case 102 ofFIG. 3A is positioned with the liner 114 a over the mat 104 so that thehygienic surface 115 a of the liner 114 a receives the user side 112 aof the mat 104. The hygienic case 102′ of FIG. 3B is positioned with thedisposable sheets 126 on the hygienic surface 115 a of the liner 114 aover the mat 104 so that the liner sheets 126 engage the user side 112 aof the mat 104.

FIG. 3C shows the mat 104 being rolled with the liner 114 a into thetubular roll 111. The mat 104 and liner 114 a are rolled in a directionof roll as indicated by the arrows. In this example, the liner 114 a hasa shape that conforms to the shape of the mat 104, with the cover114 bextended from an edge of the mat 104 and the liner 114 a. The tubularroll 111 may continue to roll so that the mat 104 is completely encasedin the liner 114 a. In this position, the user side 112 a of the mat 104is isolated and protected within the tubular roll 111.

The tubular roll 111 may also continue to roll so that the mat 104 andliner 114 a are completely encircled by the cover 114 b, thereby furtherisolating and protecting the mat 104 and the liner 114 a. The outersurface of the tubular roll 111 (between opposite ends) are covered bythe cover 114 b. The ends of the tubular roll 111 are shown as beingopen, but optionally may be closed as is described further herein.

While the tubular roll 111 is depicted as a cylindrical shaped assemblyof the liner 114 a, cover 114 b, and the mat 104 (with or without sheets126), the mat 104 may be folded or otherwise combined with the hygieniccase 101 to isolate the user side of the mat 104 within the hygieniccase 102.

FIGS. 4A-5B show examples of hygienic cases 402, 502 with the liners 114a and covers 414 b, 514 b. The covers 414 b, 514 b have been modified tocover ends of the tubular roll 411, 511, and encase the mat 104 and theliner 114 a. FIG. 4A shows a draw string configuration and FIG. 4B showsa snap configuration, but any type of closure mechanism may be used,such as zippers, clips, and other fasteners. The fastener 522 joiningthe liner portion 114 a and the cover portion 414 b is depicted as aVELCRO® fastener, but could be any fastener.

In the version of FIG. 4A and 4B, the cover 414 b has an extended widthW′ that is wider than the width W of the liner 114 a. The cover 414 b iscentered about the liner 114 a such that the cover 414 b is wider by anextension E on each side of the liner 114 a. The mat 104 may be rolledwith the liner 114 a and the cover 414 b to form the tubular roll 411 ina similar manner as in FIG. 3C. In this case, the extension E may extendbeyond each end of the tubular roll 411. The extension E may be sized tocover the ends of the tubular roll 411.

The cover 414 b is provided with draw strings 424 at each end thereof.The draw strings 424 may be cords, laces, strings, or other materialthat is secured at an end of the cover 414 b. The cover 414 b may have aseam 426 to receive the draw strings 424 therethrough. Once the mat 104is rolled with the liner into the tubular roll 411, the draw strings 424may be pulled to close the ends of the tubular roll 411 as shown in FIG.4B. The draw strings 424 may be tied to secure the ends of the cover inthe closed position. The draw string 424 may have an aglet at an endthereof to facilitate operation of the draw strings 424.

The version of FIG. 5A and 5B is similar to the version of FIG. 4A,except that the cover 514 b has a configuration. In this version, thecover 514 b has mated snaps 524 located along each end. Once the mat 104is rolled with the liner 114 a and cover 514 b to form the tubular roll511, the snaps 524 at the ends of the cover 514 b are united to securethe ends of the cover 514 b in the closed position about the tubularroll 511.

FIGS. 6A-9B show various example of hygienic cases with straps 118. Thestraps 118 may be positioned at various locations about the cover 114 band/or may be adjustable for comfort of the user (e.g., 110 of FIG. 1).The strap 118 may be secured (e.g., sewn, coupled, etc.) to the cover114 b. The strap 118 may be of varying dimension (e.g., thickness) toaccommodate the user 110.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show the hygienic case 102 of FIG. 2A and/or 3A in anopen and a closed position with the strap 118 positioned thereon. Asalso shown in these views, the cover fastener 222 b 1, 222 b 2 arepositioned on the cover 114 b such that, when the liner 114 a and themat 104 are rolled together into the cover 114 b, the cover 114 b mayencircle the mat 104 and liner 114 a to form the tubular roll 111. Inthis position, the cover fasteners 222 b 1, 222 b 2 come together andmay be affixed together to secure the tubular roll 111 in the closedposition. In this example, the cover fastener 222 b 1,b 2 includes matedportions of a zipper that may be zipped together when the cover 114 b isenclosed about the tubular roll 111. Once secured in the closedposition, the strap 118 may be used to carry the tubular roll 111.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show the hygienic case 102′ of FIG. 2B and/or 3B in anopened and closed position with the strap 118 and end caps 830. Thisversion is similar to the version of FIG. 6A and 6B, except that theliner 114 a is provided with disposable sheets 126 on an inner surfacethereof, and removable endcaps 830 on each end of the tubular roll 111′as shown. The removable endcaps 830 may be covers made of the samematerial as the liner 114 a and/or cover 114 b, or another material. Forexample, the endcaps 830 may be plastic covers positioned about each endof the tubular roll 111′. The endcaps 830 may be secured by grippingengagement with the tubular roll 111′, or by the fasteners as describedherein. When used with a storage case 116 as in FIG. 1A, the endcaps 830may be made of a material that secures to the storage case 116 with orwithout fasteners (e.g., grips, interference fit, clips, etc.)

FIGS. 8A and 8B are similar to the hygienic case 102′ of FIG. 7A and 7B.In this version, the hygienic case 102′ is provided with a pocket 832positioned on the cover 114 b. The pocket 832 is shown on an exterior ofthe tubular roll 111′ and the cover 114 b, but may be located at variouspositions about the hygienic case 102′. This version also shows someadditional options. For example, the disposable sheets 126 are shownsecured to an end of the liner 114 a by a binder 834. The disposablesheets 126 may be torn from the binder 834 as they are used to reveal anew disposable sheet 126. In another example, the cover fastener 822 bis depicted as including hook 822 b 2 and mated eye 822 b 1.

Multiple hooks 822 b 2 are positioned along one end 220 of the cover 114b and the mated eyes 822 b 1 are positioned on another end of the cover114 b. The eyes 822 b 1 and hooks 822 b 2 come together when the mat 104and liner 114 a are rolled into the tubular roll 111′ and encircled bythe cover 114 b. Once the cover 114 b is positioned around the tubularroll 111′, the hooks 822 b 2 may interlockingly engage the eyes 822 b 1.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic views of the tubular roll 111 with VELCRO®fasteners 922 b 1,b 2. The cover 114 b encircles the tubular roll 111 sothat the loop portion of the VELCRO® fasteners 922 b 1 engage the withthe hook portion of the VELCRO® fasteners 922 b 2 to secure the cover inthe closed position about the tubular roll 111. As also shown by FIG.9B, the tubular roll 111 may be placed in the tube 116 and carried bystrap 118 secured to the tube 116. The tube may have a cover 916 asshown to encase the tubular roll 111 therein. While the tubular roll 111is shown in the tube 116, and of the tubular rolls herein may be carriedin the tube 116.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart depicting a method 1000 of protecting a mat. Themethod 1000 may be used with the hygienic cases herein. The method 1000involves 1040—providing a hygienic case comprising a liner portion and acover portion, 1042—positioning a hygienic surface of the liner portionon a user side of the mat, 1044—isolating the user side of the mat by:1046—rolling the liner portion with the mat therein into a tubular roll,1048—encircling the tubular roll with the cover portion by continuingrolling the tubular portion into the cover portion, and 1050 fasteningthe cover portion about the tubular roll.

The method may also involve removably positioning disposable sheetsbetween the liner portion and the mat, unrolling the tubular roll andremoving the mat, and storing the tubular roll in a storage case (e.g.,tube). The method may be performed in any order, and repeated asdesired.

In an example of intended use as shown by FIG. 1, participants ofcamp-style workouts may occur in outdoor environments. Yoga/pilates mats104 may be utilized on grass, concrete, and/or other surfaces. A commoncomplaint of users is that contamination, such as grass, dirt, ordebris, regularly dirties the user (top, clean) side 112 a of the mat104 as it is rolled up following use.

The hygienic case 102 may eliminate transfer of grass, dirt, and debrisfrom the bottom side 112 b of the mat 104 to the top side 112 a by useof the liner 114 a which covers the entire surface of the user (top)side 112 a of the mat 104. As the mat 104 is rolled up, the bottom side112 b of the mat 104 only comes into contact with the liner 114 a,keeping the user (top) side 112 a of the mat 104 clean.

In an example configuration, the hygienic case may be in the form of ayoga/pilates mat liner and cover with carrying strap consists of acontinuous swath of fabric that measures the width of the mat and lengththat covers the entire length of the mat, plus an additional distancepast the end of the mat which will serve as the outer cover (see 114 bof FIG. 2A). Actual dimensions may depend on the size of theyoga/pilates mat and its thickness. For illustration purposes, a matwith a standard length L1 of 68 inches (172.72 cm)×width W of 24 inches(60.96 cm)×depth D of 3 mm may be used. At the intersection of the linerand outer cover (see 220 of FIG. 6A) of the outside face, one half of aself-separating zipper will be attached (see 222 b 1 of FIG. 6A). Theother half of the zipper attaches at the end of the cover (see 222 b 2of FIG. 6A) also on the outside face. An adjustable carrying strap maybe attached on the outside face of the cover, on opposite sides of thewidth, close to the zipper (see 118 of FIG. 6A).

To use the device, the inside face of the liner is laid face up alongthe yoga/pilates mat (see 114 a and 112 b of FIG. 3A). The attachedcover portion will extend face down past the end of the mat (see 114 bof FIG. 3A). To close the cover, user will roll the mat with the lineron top from the opposite ends towards the end with the attached cover(see FIG. 3C). As the user reaches the end of the yoga/pilates mat, theuser will continue rolling the mat over the outside portion of the matuntil roll meets the end of the cover, at which point the zippers alignand the user zippers the cover shut (see FIG. 6B). An adjustable carrystrap is in place for convenient transport.

To unroll, the user simply unzips the outer cover, and unrolls the linerand cover, placing them aside while mat is in user. The liner and covermay consist of a washable fabric.

Approximate dimension of yoga/pilates mat liner with cover for astandard 68 inches (172.72 cm) L1×24 inches (60.96 cm) W×3 mm D areshown in FIG. 1. Dimensions for mats of varying length, width and depthwill be similar to shown, but add or subtract to account for thedifference in inches and mat thickness.

The above description is illustrative of the preferred embodiment andmany modifications may be made by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the disclosure whose scope is to be determined from theliteral and equivalent scope of the claims that follow.

While the embodiments are described with reference to variousimplementations and exploitations, it will be understood that theseembodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the inventive subjectmatter is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additionsand improvements are possible, such as various combinations of thefeatures and/or methods described herein.

Plural instances may be provided for components, operations orstructures described herein as a single instance. In general, structuresand functionality presented as separate components in the exemplaryconfigurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component.Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single componentmay be implemented as separate components. These and other variations,modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope ofthe inventive subject matter.

Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawings discloseany additional subject matter that is not within the scope of theclaim(s) herein, the inventions are not dedicated to the public and theright to file one or more applications to claim such additionalinvention is reserved. Although a very narrow claim may be presentedherein, it should be recognized the scope of this invention is muchbroader than presented by the claim(s). Broader claims may be submittedin an application that claims the benefit of priority from thisapplication.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hygienic case for protecting a mat, comprising:a flat material comprising a liner portion and a cover portion, theliner portion having a hygienic surface and an outer surface, thehygienic surface positionable against a user side of the mat and shapedto receive the user side of the mat thereon, the liner portion havingflexibility to rollingly fold with the mat into a tubular roll, thecover portion connected at an end of the liner portion, the coverportion shaped to protectively encircle the tubular roll; and a coverfastener positionable about the cover portion to closingly secure thecover portion about the tubular roll whereby the user side of the mat isisolated from contaminants.
 2. The hygienic case of claim 1, furthercomprising disposable sheets positionable between the liner portion andthe mat.
 3. The hygienic case of claim 1, wherein the hygienic surfacehas a surface area larger than a surface area of the mat.
 4. Thehygienic case of claim 1, wherein the cover portion is removablyconnected to the liner portion by a liner fastener.
 5. The hygienic caseof claim 4, wherein the liner fastener comprises a zipper.
 6. Thehygienic case of claim 1, wherein the cover fastener comprises one of azipper, VELCRO®, straps, snaps, ties, and combinations thereof.
 7. Thehygienic case of claim 1, wherein the flat material comprises aplurality of layers, each layer comprising a different material.
 8. Thehygienic case of claim 1, wherein the cover portion surrounds thetubular roll.
 9. The hygienic case of claim 8, wherein the cover portionhas lateral ends disposable about ends of the tubular roll.
 10. Thehygienic case of claim 9, wherein the lateral ends comprise one ofdrawstrings, snaps, and combinations thereof.
 11. The hygienic case ofclaim 8, wherein the cover portion is wider than the liner portion. 12.The hygienic case of claim 1, further comprising a strap.
 13. Thehygienic case of claim 1, further comprising a pocket.
 14. The hygieniccase of claim 1, wherein the flat material comprises at least one ofcotton, nylon, polyester, spandex, elastomer, plastic, neoprene,moisture wicking, fitness, odor resistant, tarp, water resistant,hygienic, protective, antimicrobial material, and combinations thereof15. A hygienic case for protecting a mat, comprising: a flat linercomprising a hygienic layer and an outer layer, the hygienic layershaped to receive a user side of the mat, the liner having flexibilityto rollingly fold with the mat into a tubular roll; a flat coverremovably connected at an end of the liner, the cover comprising aprotective outer layer and an inner layer, the inner layer shaped toencircle the tubular roll, the protective outer layer positionedexternal to the inner layer; and a cover fastener connected to thecover, the cover fastener disposable about the cover to secure the coverin a closed position about the tubular roll whereby the user side of themat is isolated from contaminants.
 16. The hygienic case of claim 15,further comprising disposable sheets connected to the flat liner, thedisposable sheets positionable between the flat liner and the mat. 17.The hygienic case of claim 15, wherein the flat cover has the same widthas or larger width than the flat liner.
 18. The hygienic case of claim15, wherein the flat cover has lateral edges to cover ends of thetubular roll.
 19. A method of protecting a mat, the method comprising:providing a hygienic case comprising a liner portion and a coverportion; positioning a hygienic surface of the liner portion on a userside of the mat; isolating the user side of the mat by: rolling theliner portion with the mat therein into a tubular roll; encircling thetubular roll with the cover portion by continuing rolling the tubularroll into the cover portion; and fastening the cover portion about thetubular roll.
 20. A method of claim 19, further comprising removablypositioning disposable sheets between the liner portion and the mat.